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How long can you go without an oil change?

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Changing oil might look stressful because of its frequency but it is quite necessary in ensuring your car is in perfect shape. Disregarding an oil change or going long without one reduces the lifespan of your car.  The function of oil is to ensure that all parts of the engine are well greased and the temperature is regulated, while ensuring that the smooth running of the engine is attained.  Nevertheless, for the oil to perform its function in full capacity it must be free of grot; this leads us to why it is important to change your oil consistently. Read along as we guide you through how long you can go without an oil change.

There are universal recommendations regarding oil change; initially, oil change was recommended every three thousand miles but with the advancement in motor technology, now cars can go between five thousand to seven thousand five hundred miles before an oil change is needed. The type of oil been used by your car is also a major determinant to know when your car is due for an oil change.  Hence, your decision regarding the best oil for your car is dependent on various considerations such as your driving style, how old your engine is, engine type and producer guidelines, the weather in your vicinity, etc.  So it is foremost to know the type of oil that works best for your car; standard, synthetic, high mileage, or synthetic blend oil. For instance, if your car makes use of synthetic oil, you are sure of the following:

  • Improved oil and fuel consumption
  • Frequent oil changes are reduced
  • Little emissions
  • Improved resistance to coagulation
  • Improved work in chilly climate etc.
  • Preservatives clean engine and promotes engine protection etc.

The core variation between synthetic oil and standard oil is the degree of improvement. If your car makes use of synthetic oil, you can drive between ten thousand to fifteen thousand miles before an oil change.  Nevertheless, note that these figures are universal guidelines because there are variations due to car brands and models; hence it is only advisable that you look over your car handbook for the precise timing for an oil change.

However, some situations might require an instant oil change sooner than envisaged; your car having done three thousand miles in extreme driving conditions like:

  • Hauling weighty hardware
  • Constant driving in heavy traffic
  • Driving on mucky or gritty roads

It is best to have foresight since these aforementioned elements can determine when an oil change is needed.  It simply means that when you act proactively by ensuring structured oil changes, you have just taken precautionary measures against the indelible costs of car management and have also improved its dependability.

Just in case you are not conversant with the caution signals to watch out for when your car is due for an oil change; here they are below:

  • Caution light on the Dashboard: The icon for oil change automatically comes on when your car’s oil level is dangerously low; hence the need for a change and refill.
  • Variation in density and color: Your car oil is in top shape when it is glassy and brownish-yellow.  Gradually as the oil runs through the engine, over time, it begins to pick up dirt which turns the oil black.  So, it is important to have constant checks for color and density by removing the dipstick. If the oil is black, then it is high time for an oil change.
  • The odor of burning oil: If you perceive the odor of burning oil from your engine, this is an indication of oil leakage and it needs to be checked.
  • Engine making thumping sound: The function of oil is to lubricate every part of the engine so that they avoid grating against each other. Lack of proper lubrication causes the engine to make a noisy thumping sound.  At this juncture, there is an urgent need for an oil change to prevent the engine from knocking.

Your car depends on oil for the smooth running of your car’s engine and to avoid impediments. The mobile pieces of your car engine parts move smoothly due to proper lubrication and decrease grinding; this ensures your car is not overheated.  The oil in your car will not be able to perform these functions if the amount of oil is dangerously low or if it has lost its density. When the oil in your car engine loses its density, it clogs the engine. Overlooking oil change for your car as at when due causes oil thinning and an increase of dirt.  This will make the oil caustic and wear out essential pieces of the engine.

Make it a duty to adhere to the car servicing plan that suits your driving and car needs. Observance of a servicing plan and comprehending the length you can go before an oil change is required as will help assist in keeping your car in top shape.

It is important to note that there are four major prescribed “timing” for an oil change depending on considerations peculiar to you

  • 1,000 miles distance covered or every six months         –   3,000 miles distance covered           – 5,000 – 7,500 distance covered
  • 10,000 – 15,000 miles distance covered or every six months

Now, let us scrutinize each situation:

Oil change when a thousand miles is covered:

It all depends on your driving style; if you consistently travel like ten miles, you should contemplate frequent oil change because if your engine does not heat up, the oil thins out faster. If you do not drive long distances, often than not your driving is the kind that wears your engine out; hence constant oil changes reduce the damage to the barest minimum. It is noteworthy to know that if you drive your car less than the mileage of your prescribed service timing; it is still advisable for you to change your oil twice annually because oil gradually deteriorates.

Oil change when three thousand miles is covered:

Prescription of an oil change at three thousand miles according to professionals is a money-making venture for workshops that do oil change; however,   if your car is an old generation car that determines this timing range, it is only advisable that you abide by it.

Oil change when five thousand to seven thousand five hundred miles is covered:

The five thousand to seven thousand five hundred miles timing is becoming more popular as it is highly recommended in more car instruction guides although some producers advise that your driving style should be taken into consideration.

Oil change when ten thousand to fifteen thousand miles is covered:

Every car comes with an instruction guide; hence, if in the instruction guide the use of synthetic oils is advised or you choose to make a change from the regular oil, you can cover ten thousand miles and more. Synthetic oil is much better than regular oil because it is more refined for high-level lubrication. Synthetic oil is highly recommended because it does not thin out easily like regular oil; it has more resistance level in harsh temperatures.

Do a constant check of your car oil to be sure all is well and also monitor your car’s mileage.

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